Since your basement living space will probably be below sewer lines, you’ll need a pump to get waste out, said Kyle. About 50% of basement jobs require the floor to be dug lower to allow for additional ceiling height, according to Kareem, a Sweeten contractor in Philadelphia. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance and financial protection—at no cost to the homeowner. And there are intelligent products that can help. Painting the exposed beams of your basement ceiling can make the entire space feel more finished without heavy renovation. By transforming your unfinished basement into a more functional living space, you not only add livable square footage to your home, but you also boost the potential resale value of your home. The Solution: By painting your unfinished basement walls, you can instantly create more warmth in the basement and breathe new life into the space. Often times the basement will be completely remolded so that someone can comfortably live there. One of the biggest updates you can make in any space or room is refreshing the … A basement must be adequately moisture-free before remodeling, because water can cause mold, mildew, and damage to carpets and furniture. Ok my basement is old dusty and moldy. The Solution: To redefine your space, determine how your unfinished basement could better serve you and your family’s needs. Finished basements are a great way to add additional living space to a home but they also present a challenge. The typical size of a basement is about 1,000 square feet, he said. LEARN MORE. There are multiple benefits of flipping a dark (and possibly damp) basement into an actual living space. Specialized finished basements add appeal and great value, including living spaces like in-law suites, home theaters, man caves, and wine rooms. Many unfinished basements tend to serve as storage overflow areas because they lack functionality and purpose. Its 2-step process will add a few extra days to a renovation timeline. If that sounds like your current setup, you’ll want to widen the staircase during your remodeling project. Im talking living down there all the time. Our team is available by appointment, phone, email, and virtual meetings. Expand the stairway: Many basements have narrow staircases that are difficult to navigate and pose a potential fire hazard. “Rain and leaks tend to be a big source of water issues that you don’t have to deal with in the rest of the house,” said Alan. The answer to this common problem is often insulation and waterproofing. ), soundproofing, and/or insulation. People with allergies, asthma and environmental sensitivities are often taught to shun basements as dark, dank places laden with triggers such as mold and chemical fumes. The amount of square footage you can add to a basement will impact your renovation costs, as well as the value it will add to your home. Even the slightest amount of water can develop into mold, mildew and other issues, so it’s best to eliminate water completely before you carry out other renovation projects. The plumbing for this usually goes under the concrete flooring. Creekstone Design Can Help You Finish Your Basement Making a basement remodel livable and valuable necessitates the incorporation of design and construction solutions to turn the unique challenges of an unfinished basement remodel into a completely new space to the home that you love. At Gonyea, we understand how overwhelming bigger renovation projects can be, and our team of experienced builders, architects, and designers will simplify the process for you, ensuring you have an enjoyable and stress-free renovation experience. I really don’t want to use an acid wAsh to get it clean. Nothing kills the mood faster than a bunch of naked bulbs hanging from the … To prevent toxic mold, the humidity of living spaces should be below 60 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And, if you’re not quite ready—no worries! People who have lived this way have found many problems within a basement setting that make living hard. The smallest basement renovation Kyle worked on only added 400 square feet of living space with the owners using it as a kids’ play area. However, sensitive things such as your mother’s wedding dress or dad’s precious keepsakes probably won’t survive the basement. A thousand little pieces of art will only stifle the eye. Create a perfect storage environment in your basement and store your most prized keepsakes. Start by creating an open stairwell leading from the rest of the house. In fact, they account for the majority of your home’s indoor moisture, according to Alan. When painting during a basement remodel there is a process which must … So, pay attention to your lowest level when it rains next! Oct 17, 2015 - after the baby is born, this will be the project!!!!. } Be sure to take the time to properly prepare for painting by using painter’s tape to protect fixtures, duct work, wiring, and trim that you don’t wish to paint. Instead, pick a real … This basement-turned-apartment is complete with kitchen, living, bedroom and bathroom zones. Although building regulations vary from town to town, Sweeten contractors say the height requirement for the ceiling will be between six and seven feet. “It’s a balancing act to how much you want to put into the house before you exceed what value it brings,” said Alan, a Sweeten contractor. He suggested exhaust fans installed into the wall or window. Usually, we store things in the basement that survives its hotness, humidness, coldness, and wetness. This process involves cracking open the existing concrete floor, removing the excess dirt, and re-laying the concrete. Good news: On average, investment in a basement renovation adds value to a property. But the basement also presents much needed extra space. Like any home construction project, a basement renovation requires planning, creativity, and expert help. Looking for a more finished room feel? Some DIY-friendly room transformations could include the following unfinished basement ideas: If any of your unfinished basement ideas involve bigger renovation projects involving electrical, plumbing, adding walls, etc., it’s a good idea to turn to professionals who’ll ensure any additions meet local building and safety codes and regulations, while also minimizing the stress of larger renovations. This can be 7, 8, 9 or 10 feet deep, depending on your preference. A kitchenette, washer and dryer may also be worthy additions. Here’s a look at a fully buried, partially finished basement that uses the white paint trick to illuminate the space. In choosing the best décor for the basement, try to create some sense of continuity with the rest of the house. var page_category_arc = jQuery('.page_category_arc').val() Details like current ceiling height, local egress regulations, and insulation needs will influence how long your basement renovation timeline will be, and how much it will cost. For a raw space that is being renovated to a finished living area, expect the average cost to come in around $75,000. Plus, Sweeten contractors only pay when they win projects. Light It Up. Top 10 Tips for Making a Basement Feel Bright. (Above) Tracy and Gordon’s basement remodel added living space to their small footprint. While plenty of people live in basement apartments, they do come with their downside. Sometimes the floor needs to be dug deeper so the ceiling appears higher, and the walls could require underpinning. Part of what makes a basement feel dark and dingy is when an unfinished basement ceiling includes exposed rafters, wiring, and duct work. We have some DIY-friendly projects that can spruce up the space and help you to imagine the possibilities for your unfinished basement. Finishing your basement is an excellent way to add value to your home while also making the most of the space it has to offer. Include as much natural light as possible in the basement living space by enlarging windows, if possible, when considering basement living room ideas. That usually means digging down to make an open passageway on one side of the building so there is a way to get in and out. Height clearances, whether it’s heated, and the presence of windows: all of these make a space livable. Gonyea Transformations specializes in designing new plans for existing spaces that add beauty, function, and joy to your home. The Solution: For DIY-friendly flooring updates, consider painting the floor or laying simple peel-and-stick carpet tiles to warm up the space. The basement is a great work area because it tends to be quieter and separate from the rest of the house, which is more conducive to concentration. When picking out artificial lighting, go for warm lights that cover a lots of space to remove any of that leftover basement gloom. Often, homeowners will add a half or a full bath to their new basement space. Hang Big, Yes BIG, Art. The idea is to give you as much extra living space as possible. (He would know since he is 6′ 6″ tall!) Since most unfinished basements have a relatively open-concept floor plan, you’ll find so many ways you can easily revamp your basement without much restriction. formId: "f3169177-c6cc-4ca3-9755-dd19acd03f5c", Basements have a reputation for being damp. Step 3. In order to plan your basement remodel efficiently, you’ll need to manage several key factors. Unfinished basements are often the most underutilized spaces, sometimes serving as dumping grounds and excess storage areas. “To be comfortable and have no problems with building inspectors, you will need that second form of egress, such as a window or a door with steps leading outside to ground level,” said Kyle, a Sweeten contractor. Ultimately, it will all depend on how much you are willing to pay. Here, Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, outlines the key factors to consider when planning your own basement renovation. Sweeten general contractors have worked on basement remodels starting at $20,000. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation where we’ll learn more about you and your needs, so we can help you transform your unfinished basement into usable space. if(page_category_arc){ They push damp air out while circulating the remaining air around the entire house. If you find yourself in the windowless cocoon of your basement, wishing there was another way to live than burrowing like a mole…there is! Renovating your basement might be the easiest way to add another floor of living space to your home. Since flooring spans wall to wall, by simply updating your basement flooring, you can dramatically influence the look and feel of the space. Even with intelligent products, insulation requires multiple products and systems to stay on top of heat, cold, and humidity, according to Ted Winslow, a representative from CertainTeed. Lighting. This means providing the proper flooring, lighting and adequate bathroom space. It’s best to hire a professional who can ensure the basement is properly waterproofed, lay down subflooring, and discuss more sophisticated flooring options with you, including engineered wood, tile, etc. In-wall products like CertainTeed’s MemBrain is an accessory to regular insulation that allows the buildup of moisture to escape while preventing moisture from entering in the first place. Choose the Right Kind of Lighting. See more ideas about Finishing basement, Basement remodeling, Basement renovations. portalId: "6930101", onFormSubmit: function($form) { I sympathize with your situation -- I had to share a tiny bedroom for most of my teen years with an obnoxious younger sister and I had no privacy or peace. And don’t forget: If you have equipment—like your home’s boiler—in the basement, a mechanical room could take away a few hundred square feet from the livable space. and you’ll both receive a $250 Visa gift card when they sign a contract with a Sweeten general contractor. “You also have to decide if cost value is important to you or is it more important to have a home you want to live in.”. Details like current ceiling height, local egress regulations, and insulation needs will influence how long your basement renovation timeline will be, and how much it will cost. These factors provide a unique challenge to making a basement livable. Tackle These Spring Home Improvement Projects. It’s not usable, so don’t include it in square footage. We’d love to work with you to listen, learn, and create a design plan for your unfinished basement that’s perfect for you. WHEN IS BASEMENT CONSIDERED LIVING SPACE: UPKEEP There are plenty of ways to brighten even the darkest of basement spaces. The white walls and open, white-painted ceiling make it bright and livable even when not much natural light breaks through. No matter the size of your budget, the following unfinished basement updates will help you transform your lower level into a space you and your family will enjoy spending time in while making new memories: One of the biggest updates you can make in any space or room is refreshing the appearance of your walls. From design and job planning and ordering materials and managing subcontractors, your Gonyea team always delivers a holistic approach to new renovations. We educate our clients on cost, scope and process—and introductions to clients are free. Unfortunately, making that basement healthy and livable will take a little money and I'm guessing from your situation that's not going to be easy to come by. See more ideas about Basement, Finishing basement, Basement makeover. Inspect the concrete floor and walls for cracks. Do you envision more of a living space for your basement (rather than a laundry and storage area)? That’s why ventilation, along with insulation, is important. This will help avoid flooding if any of the pipes burst, according to Kareem. A good tip on how to make a basement livable in Midland, MI is to put up walls surrounding these units to protect them and make the space more comfortable. More good news: According to Sweeten contractors, there are no deal-breakers when it comes to basement remodels. recessed lighting, etc. A finished or partially finished basement can be a … I need first how do I clean it? Add Tasteful Lighting. Often, basement windows are below grade, so make sure the bedroom window is the right size for someone to exit in case of fire, and get permitting for any changes you make … But you can also add value by merely increasing your current living space with more bedrooms or a den. A humidifier could also be used, but be prepared to pump that waste water up to the sewer lines. How to Make an Unfinished Basement Livable Step 1. Our floor in the basement needs updating. If you decide to list the unit as a furnished space, then you will need to provide a bed, television, dresser, floor lamp and other common items. Basements often feel damp and chilly and sometimes contain an unpleasant smell. To make your basement functional and livable, it's not as easy as simply sliding in some furniture and putting up some fixtures. hbspt.forms.create({ You also have to reupholster the ceilings, walls, and floors of the area to turn your basement into a livable space. We want to put the house up for sale but need the basement livable. I can barely breath down there long enough to do loundry. Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Keep in mind that the existing condition of the space will impact the budget. Sometimes electricity and plumbing need to be installed, especially if there is no existing bathroom and that’s a crucial part of your plans. This system can either turn on when the lights are switched on or be equipped with sensors that switch the fans on once humidity gets above a certain level. 1000 Boone Ave. N Suite 400 Golden Valley, MN 55427, We value the health and safety of our clients, guests and employees, and want to assure you that we are taking the precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all. It makes the basement feel open, lighter and connected to your home. It is the entire length and with of the house. On top of the general humidity in your basement, flooding in your basement could also be an issue. Refresh the Walls. Here are the basics of a typical basement egress window system: A “buck,” poured into the wall during new construction, creates a frame in the foundation wall. In the end, your home’s value will increase, while giving your family a refreshed space for play, work, or relaxation. If you’re thinking about adding drywall or wood paneling, you may want to partner with professionals, who can ensure building codes and regulations are met and also help you add any additional insulation, waterproofing, electrical components, etc., to truly change up your space. Sweeten general contractors have worked on basement … Plus, remodeling a basement provides families with revitalized spaces for entertaining loved ones, working from home, or relaxing. } To solve these problems, you’ll need to prevent water from entering the basement. If you have the extra square footage of a basement, why not add a laundry room down there? If so, it’s likely that you’ll need a second exit, or egress. The basement is a great place for your home office. Make a Family Room or Rec Room Basements are ideal for casual social activities for the whole family, or just for the kids. Transform your basement into a livable, breathable space. }); COPYRIGHT ©2021 SWEETEN INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SWEE10®. If a conversion involves a bedroom, which is a room where many hours are spent, it is ultra important to keep toxic mold at bay, which is fed by moisture. If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, professional contractors can finish off the ceiling by hanging drywall or drop ceilings and adding additional lighting (e.g. No matter your remodeling goals, we promise our superior customer service and quality craftsmanship from start to finish. This is the tale of two basements in otherwise comparable houses. Of course, adding a bathroom will also add to the budget, but for many, the convenience is worth it, he said. Moisture. I have 2 monthes to make it liveable. Money and energy spent on a remodeling project will be wasted if the basement is too damp. With a home office, you can make use of both a large or a small space. 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